Process for assembling fitment on to a container

ABSTRACT

A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is filed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §121 andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/895,843, filed onAug. 28, 2007, which in turn claims priority to the U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/840,847, filed on Aug. 28, 2006. Bothapplications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to quick-disconnectcouplings for the dispensing of liquids and semi-liquids from acollapsible bag. More particularly, the present invention relates to acollar for use with a dispensing connector and a double slider valvefitment for use in a quick-disconnect coupling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many systems are used for dispensing beverage syrup from a disposablepackage consisting of a flexible collapsible bag in a corrugated boxcommonly referred to as a bag-in-box dispensing package.

Generally these systems include a bag that is provided with a fitment inthe form of a spout through which filling and dispensing occurs. It isgenerally desirable to provide a quick-disconnect coupling between thespout and the service line of the pump or other type of beverage mixingand dispensing system. Such a coupling may be carried on the spoutfitment of the bag and will work in conjunction with the service lineconnector or “probe”, and is commonly called in the art a single-servicevalve and coupling since it is discarded with the bag when it isemptied. This type of valve opens automatically as the line connector isconnected to the spout and closes as it is disconnected therefrom toprevent syrup from draining from the bag.

Quick-connect valve systems and slider fitments for fluid dispensing areknown. Certain fitments having valves having more than one moveablecomponent are also known.

Some systems are dedicated to only one type of currently known serviceline connection; while others are adapted to be used with various typesof service line connectors.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,551 (Bond, et al.) teaches a cylindrical tubularvalve member having a closed lower end positioned within a spout.Gripping lugs on the valve member are adapted to grip the dispensingconnector. For dispensing, the dispensing connector pushes the valvemember inwardly so that outlets on the side thereof are open to fluidflow. A seal is produced between the O-ring on the dispensing connectorand the valve body.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,146 (Bond and Ulm) teaches a dispensing valveassembly for coupling to a service line connector. The valve member hasgripping members that cooperate with the dispensing connector to movethe valve between a closed and open position. The dispensing connectoralso has a collar for gripping the spout. An O-ring on the dispensingconnector provides a seal with the valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 (Copp, et al.) discloses a universalquick-disconnect coupling and valve. The fitment includes a generallycylindrical spout for attachment to a container that is capable ofmating with a dispensing connector. A slider moves axially within thespout and has a valve within it that moves from a closed position to anopen position upon insertion of a dispensing connector into the slider.An external support member and clamp about the dispensing connector hasteeth to engage the flange of an external adapter ring of the spout. Thedispensing connector is sealed within the slider by an O-ring whichcooperates with an internal adapter sleeve that fits within the slider.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,662 (Roethel #1), U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,556 (Roethel#2) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,070 (Labinski, et al.) teach a dispensingfitment having a first body secured to a liquid container and forming afirst flow passage and a valve assembly connected to this secured body,which has a seal retaining body defining a second flow passage thatcommunicates with an inlet of the first flow passage. A resilient sealmember located in the second flow passage is resiliently urged intosealing engagement with the inlet to block fluid flow from the secondflow passage into the first flow passage. The assembly further includesa spout that is slideable within the first body to an inward positionwhere the seal member is moved resiliently away from the inlet to allowfluid flow between the passages. The seal retaining body is a resilienttubular member transverse to the first flow passage and is made of aresilient (i.e. rubber) material. A dispensing connector collar hasgrooves for engaging flanges on the first body. The dispensing connectorincludes O-rings for sealingly engaging the valve assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,964 (Zielinksi, et al.) teaches a dispensingapparatus for coupling between a dispensing connector and the spout of acontainer so as to permit coupling of a valve sub-assembly housed in thedispensing connector with a single slider valve assembly housed in thespout. The apparatus includes a collar about the dispensing connectorand includes sleeves having at least two resilient fingers members. Eachfinger member has a surface engageable with a flange portion on theouter surface of the spout. A collar is releasably slid over an outersurface of the sleeve for constricting the resilient finger memberstoward a lower end of the sleeve. The fingers act to lock the collarrelative to the spout. The system provides a single-handed couplingoperation for the collar and spout. An O-ring on the probe forms theseal with the valve assembly and an inner O-ring connects with the valvesub-assembly. The collar does not engage the valve assembly housed inthe spout.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,962 (Lloyd-Davies, et al.) teaches a fluiddispensing device comprising a valve member slideable in the spout of acontainer. The single valve member is tubular and has an open outer endfor receiving a dispensing connector and a closed inner end. The valvemember has openings through its sidewalls. In the closed position of thevalve member, opposed shoulders of the valve member and of the spoutresist axial movement of the valve member in either direction andinterengaged sealing surfaces block fluid flow to the openings. Theouter end portion of the valve member is laterally outwardly deflectableand includes protrusions adapted to enter the recess of a dispensingconnector and engage the dispensing connector whereby the valve membercan be moved between the open and closed position. In the dispenseposition, an O-ring provides a seal between the outside of thedispensing connector and the inner wall of the valve member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,410 (Rutter et al. #1) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,761(Rutter, et al. #2) teach a spout fitment for a liquid container. Thefitment includes a dispensing valve member slideable within the spout ofthe container. A valve element within the slideable dispensing valvemember is resiliently biased to close a fluid flow opening therein. Thevalve element sits on the inside of a wall extending across theslideable dispensing valve member and a resilient member is required topush the valve element against the inner surface of this wall. Giventhis arrangement, a snap fit of parts is not possible. In the dispensingposition, an O-ring on the dispensing connector forms a seal with theslideable dispensing valve member. The member may also include a ridgefor engaging the O-ring and snapping into an associated groove on thedispensing connector. In some embodiments, a ridge on a dispensingconnector shown can apparently press down on the top edge of theslideable dispensing valve member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,970 (Smith and Tschanen) teach a self-closingdispensing valve comprising a valve housing having a fluid conduit witha valve orifice therethrough and a flow control member within the valvebody. The flow control member is displaceable between a closed and openposition. A plurality of resilient flexible fingers are fixed to eitherthe valve housing or the valve member and are deflected when the valvemember is displaced to its open position. The fingers are deflected by aconical camming surface on the valve member when displaced toward theopen position.

International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2004/085283(Johnson) teaches a double slider valve fitment for attachment to acontainer for fluid. The fitment includes a spout having an externalsurface capable of mating with a collar of a dispensing connector. Anexternal slider is movable axially within the spout and an internalslider is movable axially within the external slider. The internalslider is movable between a closed position that prevents the flow offluid through the fitment and an open position that allows for the flowof fluid through the fitment. The internal slider is adapted to be movedbetween the closed and open positions by insertion of the dispensingconnector into the external slider. The internal slider is biased towardthe closed position when the dispensing connector is released as aresult of temporary deformation of portions of the external slider bythe internal slider pressed inwardly by the dispensing connector. Theinternal slider cooperates with the dispensing connector by means oflocking lugs on a top edge thereof. A dispensing connector collar isdisclosed, which may be threaded for threaded engagement with anexternal surface of the spout. In the dispensing position, O-rings onthe dispensing connector sealingly engage with the external and internalslider.

Johnson represent a significant improvement in the art. In particular,due to the arrangement of parts, a component that has a significantinherent resilience (i.e. rubber or a spring) is not required; ratherthe entire fitment is preferably formed of plastic. Further, therelatively simple arrangement of parts facilitates both manufacture ofthe individual valve components and the assembly of the fitment. Therenevertheless remains room in the art for improvement. For example, inthe dispensing position, sealing engagement between the dispensingconnector and fitment is provided by the O-ring on the dispensingconnector.

Known fitments generally seal as a result of rubber O-rings positionedon the probe. This arrangement of parts, even where another sealingposition is used, can suffer from leakage and failure.

Where a collar is used, the fitments of the prior art generally engagewith a dispensing connector via a gripping collar on the outside of thespout. Typically, the dispensing connector could comprise a collaradapted for threadable engagement with a flanged or threaded outsidesurface of the spout. The collar is typically adapted to work withcertain spouts.

Known fitments further have a tendency for the collar and probe tobecome inadvertently disengaged, which is very inconvenient to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides afitment assembly comprising: a fitment for attachment to a container forholding and dispensing a fluid and having a generally cylindrical spoutattached thereto, the fitment comprising a generally cylindricalexternal valve body movable to a fixed position within the spout; and agenerally cylindrical internal valve body movable axially within theexternal valve body, the internal valve body movable between a closedposition operable to prevent the flow of fluid through the fitment andan open position operable to allow the flow of fluid through thefitment, the internal valve body movable between closed and openpositions by insertion of a dispensing connector into the external valvebody adjacent the internal valve body, the internal valve body beingbiased toward the closed position; and a collar for attachment to thedispensing connector and for releasable coupling to the fitment, whereinwhen coupled to the fitment the collar compressively engages theexternal valve body to form a seal between the external valve body andthe dispensing connector.

In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a dispensingconnector collar for engaging a fitment for attachment to a containerfor holding and dispensing a fluid, the fitment comprising: a spout; anexternal valve body axially movable to a fixed position within thespout; and an internal valve body movable axially within the externalvalve body, the internal valve body movable between a closed positionoperable to prevent the flow of fluid through the fitment and an openposition operable to allow the flow of fluid through the fitment, theinternal valve body movable between a closed and an open position byinsertion of a dispensing connector into the external valve bodyadjacent the internal slider, the internal valve body being biasedtoward the closed position; the collar comprising a collar body forengagement about the dispensing connector, the collar body having afitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top of theexternal valve body against the dispensing connector to form a seal.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides aconnector collar for engaging a valved fitment for a container forholding and dispensing fluid having a spout connected to the containerand a valve having at least one slidable component securely positionedwithin the spout, the connector collar comprising a generallycylindrical collar body for engagement about a dispensing connector, thecollar body having a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as tocompress the top edge of the at least one slidable component so as toform a seal between the at least one slidable component and thedispensing connector.

In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a collarfor a dispensing connector for engaging a fitment comprising a slideablevalve assembly in a threaded spout, the collar comprising: an internallythreaded surface for threadably engaging with the spout and acompression flange for compressing the valve assembly against thedispensing connector to form a seal when the internally threaded surfaceis threadably engaged with the spout.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote likeparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded partial cross-sectional side view of afirst embodiment of the fitment assembly of the present invention with adispensing connector.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a firstembodiment of the fitment assembly of the present invention and adispensing connector in a pre-cap position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a firstembodiment of the fitment assembly of the present invention and adispensing connector in a fill position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a firstembodiment of a fitment assembly of the present invention and adispensing connector in a full-cap position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a firstembodiment of a fitment assembly of the present invention and adispensing connector in a dispense position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of a firstembodiment of a fitment assembly of the present invention and adispensing connector in a reseal and disconnect position.

FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an external valvebody used in the fitment assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates a front elevational view of the external valve bodyof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C illustrates a rear elevational view of the external valve bodyof FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional side elevational view of aninternal valve body used in the fitment assembly of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8B illustrates a front elevational view of an internal valve bodyof FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C illustrates a rear elevational view of the internal valve bodyof FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of the sealing points of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional side view of a secondembodiment of the fitment assembly of the present invention with adispensing connector.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodimentof the fitment assembly of the present invention and a dispensingconnector in a pre-cap position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodimentof a fitment assembly of the present invention and a dispensingconnector in a full-cap position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodimentof a fitment assembly of the present invention and a dispensingconnector in a probe contact position.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodimentof a fitment assembly of the present invention and a dispensingconnector in a dispense position.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a second embodimentof a fitment assembly of the present invention and a dispensingconnector in a dispense position and shows the preferred points ofsealing.

FIG. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of the sealing points of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a liquid dispensing apparatus such as is used to dispense individualservings of beverages and the like, the syrups, flavorings and otheringredients are frequently supplied in collapsible containers enclosedand shipped within an outer container (“bag-in-box”). The shippingpackage or container is provided with a fitment that accepts a probethat is part of the dispensing apparatus in order to connect the supplyof liquid to the dispensing apparatus. The fitment generally contains avalve that is actuated by the insertion of the probe of the dispensingapparatus in order to allow the liquid to flow into the dispensingapparatus. The fitment attached to the liquid container is generallytermed a package connector and the probe or similar device on thedispensing apparatus that interacts with the package connector isgenerally termed a dispensing connector.

With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention includes a fitmentassembly 110 that includes a collar 112 engageable with a dispensingconnector 114 and a double slider valve fitment 120 for attachment to acontainer (not shown) for holding a liquid (not shown). As will bediscussed further below, the present invention also includes the collar112 of the invention for use with other threaded valve bodies securelyslidable within container spouts. However, the collar 112 of the presentinvention will be discussed in the context of fitment assembly 110,which comprises another embodiment of the present invention.

The fitment 120 comprises a generally cylindrical spout 122 with agenerally cylindrical external valve body 124 movable axially within thespout 122 and an internal valve body 126 movable axially within theexternal valve body 124. As will be described in further detail below,generally external valve body 124 is slideable to a secured position,while internal valve body 126 is repeatedly slideable to enable openingand closing of the valve. The internal valve body 126 is movable betweena closed position that prevents fluid from flowing through the fitment120 and an open position that allows fluid to flow from the containerthrough the fitment 120. The internal valve body 126 is adapted to bemoved between the closed and open positions by insertion of thedispensing connector 114 into the external valve body 124. The internalvalve body 126 is sized to be received within the external valve body124. The fitment 120 suitably further includes a cap 128.

The components of the fitment assembly 110 will now be described in moredetail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 6. The spout 122 is generallycylindrical in shape and one end is received by the collar 112 of thedispensing connector 114 when the assembly is in a dispense position, aswill be discussed further below. At the other end of the spout 122 thereis a base portion 130 for attaching the spout 122 to a wall of acontainer (not shown). Methods and means for attaching the spout 122 toa wall of a container are well known in the art and a variety ofattachment mechanisms may be used to secure the spout 122 to a containerwall, such as by heat sealing or adhesive attachment or both.

Located at the opposing end of the spout 122 from the base portion 130is the spout opening 132 (see FIG. 3) which is adapted to receive thedispensing connector 114 therein. The internal surface of the spout 122suitably includes an integrally melded stop ridge 133 and sealing rings135, both of which serve to limit the motion of the external valve body124 at certain stages in the functioning of the fitment assembly 110.Suitable stop ridge 133 and sealing rings 135 are further described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 (Copp et al.) the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference.

The external surface 137 of the spout 122 preferably includes a seriesof external threads or flanges, which are adapted to mate withcorresponding threads on a dispensing apparatus (not shown) or collar112 with which a double slider fitment 110 may be used. Theconfiguration of the external surface 137 of the spout 122 is notparticularly restricted and may be altered in accordance with known waysto connect such surfaces e.g. a snap-fit arrangement could also be used.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, generally, theconfiguration of the external surface of the spout is not particularlyrestricted. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 14, the externalsurface of the spout is threaded for threaded engagement with acooperating threaded collar.

The external valve body will be described with reference to FIGS. 2through 6 and FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C. The external valve body 124 isgenerally cylindrically shaped having an external shell 138 thatincludes a stop ridge 140 at one end and a positioning ring 142 at theopposing end. When the external valve body 124 is positioned within thespout 122, the positioning ring 142 is located adjacent the base portion130 of the spout 122, and the stop ridge 140 is located adjacent thespout opening 132. Suitably, above stop ridge 140, the external surface138 may be engageable with collar 112, as will be described furtherbelow. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, threaded portion144 is threadably engageable with the collar 112.

Within the external valve body 124, adjacent the end with thepositioning ring 142 is an interior projection 146 that extends aroundthe internal circumference of the shell 138. The projection 146 has anupper surface 148 that faces the end of the shell 138 containing thestop ridge 140, and a lower edge 150 that faces the end of the shell 138containing the positioning ring 142. Suitably, projection or ledge 146has an inverted “L” shape as shown in the Figures. Extending away fromthe lower edge 150 towards the end of the shell 138, which includes thestop ridge 140, are a series of radially spaced posts 152 definingapertures 153 therebetween. The posts 152 support a valve seat 154 attheir lower ends. The posts 152 extend substantially parallel to theshell 138 of the external valve body 124 and are spaced from the shell138 such that liquid may flow between the shell 138 and the posts 152and through the space between each post 152. The valve seat 154 issubstantially circular and extends between the lower ends of the spacedposts 152.

The valve seat 154 includes a plurality of spaced projections 158 thatextend upwardly from the valve seat 154 towards the projection 146. Theprojections 158 are preferably centrally located on the valve seat 154and are radially spaced thereon and are operable to be received in theinternal valve body 126 as will be described below. It will beunderstood by a person skilled in the art that the projections 158 maybe spaced in any pattern and may form any shape that performs the samefunction as the projections 158.

The internal valve body 126 will be described with reference to bothFIGS. 2 through 6 and especially FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C. Located on theinternal valve body 126 are a series of ports 164 that allow the passageof fluid therethrough when the internal valve body 126 is in the openposition. When in the open position, the ports 164 are in fluidcommunication with the apertures 153 between the posts 152 of theexternal valve body 124.

Suitably, the internal valve body 126 includes a generally cylindricalbody 166 with a base ring 168 that extends around one end of the body166, and a top ring 170 that extends outwardly from and around theopposing end of the body 166 from the base ring 168. A central post 174extends away from the body 166 at the opposing end to the base ring 168,and is operable to engage the dispensing connector 114, when the fitment120 is attached to the dispensing connector 114.

The body 166 is sized to be received within the external valve body 124extending beyond the projection 146 of the external valve body 124 andoperable to abut the valve seat 154. The top ring 170 suitably is sizedto extend beyond the circumference of the body 166 to rest against andabut the projection 146 when the internal valve body 126 is in the openposition. In the open position, the insertion of the dispensingconnector 114 moves the internal valve body 126 towards the valve seat154 and positions the base ring 168 of the body 166 adjacent the valveseat 154. The projections 158 on the valve seat 154 are biased inwardlyby the internal walls 175 of the body 166 of the internal valve body126.

In one embodiment, the internal walls 175 of the body 166 are slopedinwardly to bias the projections 158 inwardly when the plug 126 islocated adjacent the valve seat 154. When the dispensing connector 114is removed, the projections 158 will return to their normally biasedposition and flex outwardly. When the projections 158 move outwardly,the internal valve body 126 will be forced away from the valve seat 154and the internal valve body 126 will return to the closed position.Other embodiments may be used that force the projections to bend awayfrom their normal position upon insertion of the dispensing connector114 into the fitment, provided that when the dispensing connector 114 isremoved the projections force the internal valve body 126 away from thevalve seat 154 to the closed position. While the projections 158 arebiased inwardly and then flex to their initial position, the requiredinherent resilience is fairly limited and all parts of the fitment 120may be formed of a fairly rigid material.

Although the fitment assembly 110 of the present invention may be madeof any material having suitable properties, preferably, it is made of asynthetic resin material that can be melded to form its parts. Thesynthetic resin material must have sufficient resiliency so that theprojections 158 will return to their rest position when a deformingpressure is released. If the fitment assembly 110 is made from a singlesynthetic resin material, recycling of the valve is made particularlyeasy, because the used valve can be ground up, remelted and remouldedinto new valves. It is preferred that the fitment assembly 110 be madefrom a synthetic resin that is the same as that used to form theliquid-containing bag with which the fitment is used. Such compatibilityfurther increases the ease of recycling the valve. A preferred syntheticresin for the valve is polypropylene. The valve can also be made ofhigh-density polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon or the like.

When the internal valve body 126 returns to the closed position, it mayreturn to either its initial position or to one in which the top ring170 is lower than in the initial position, i.e. closer to the ledge 146,provided that there is a seal between the internal valve body 126 andthe external valve body 124, and no fluid can pass through the fitment120. The closed position referred to includes all such positions inwhich the internal valve body 126 is moved away from the valve seat 154and where no fluid can pass through the fitment 120.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art in light of theabove description that the external valve body 124 is operable to movealong the inside of the spout 122 in a smooth telescoping movement whilemaintaining continuous contact with the spout 122. Likewise, theinternal valve body 126 is operable to move along the inside of theexternal valve body 124 in a smooth telescoping movement. Further, theinternal valve body 126 acts like a plug within the external valve body124 and is seated within the external valve body 124 in the openposition to allow fluid to pass through and is unseated in the closedposition to prevent fluid from passing through.

The fitment assembly 110 preferably further includes a cap 128, suitablecomponents of which are shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. The cap128 may include a cover 176 and a skirt 178 bearing an outer retainingring 180 and an internal cylinder 182 bearing an inner retaining ring184 which engages the cap 128 with the external valve body 124 when thecap 128, external valve body 124, and internal valve body 126 areremoved as a unit in order to fill the container. Suitably, the cap 128may be sized so that if present the skirt 178 can be received within thespout 122. The cap 128 may also include a smaller outer skirt 185 sizedto sit about the top periphery of spout 122, when the fitment is capped.While the configuration of the cap 128 is not particularly restrictedand is within the purview of a person skilled in the art, an example ofa suitable cap 128 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785. Otheralternative cap configurations will be apparent to persons skilled inthe art.

The inventor of the present invention has surprisingly discovered that acollar 112 that engages the external valve body 124 in a compressivefashion can provide improved sealing and reduced seal failure andotherwise improve the sliding operation of the valve components.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, the collar 112 of the fitmentassembly 110 of the present invention comprises a generally cylindricalcollar body 186 for engagement about the dispensing connector 114. Thecollar body 186 includes a fitment end 188 for engaging the fitment. Thefitment end 188 includes an external descending flange 190 and aninternal descending flange 191 connected to the collar body 186. Theexternal descending flange 190 and internal descending flange 191 areconcentrically arranged and form therebetween a receiving space 192.

As will be described further below, the collar 112 engages with theexternal valve body 124 in a compressive manner, which operates toimprove sealing and operation of the double slider mechanism.

The positions of the fitment assembly 110 will now be described in moredetail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 6.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the doubleslider valve fitment 120 in a pre-cap position. In this position, thefitment 120 is removably positioned within the spout 122, in order to bereadily removable for filling of the container directly through an openspout 122.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the doubleslider valve fitment 120 in a fill position. In this position theexternal valve body 124, internal valve body 126 and cap 128 are removedfrom spout 122 and the container is filled.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the doubleslider valve fitment 120 in a full-cap position. This position issuitable for a filled container ready for delivery to the end-user. Inthis position, the stop ridge 140 and the positioning ring 142 of theexternal valve body 124 are engaged with the interior of the spout 122,so that the double slider valve fitment 120 is securely positionedwithin the spout 122. The cap 128 is secured to the fitment 120.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the collar 112and the double slider valve fitment 120 in a dispense position with thedispensing connector 114. In this position, the user removes the cap128, as shown. The dispensing connector 114 is engaged with the doubleslider valve fitment 120.

The dispensing connector 114 moves the valve to an open position. In thepresent invention, collar 112 engages with external valve body 124 toprovide an additional point of sealing. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 9,as the collar 112 is threaded onto the external valve body 124, it pullsthe dispensing connector 114 down into the external valve body 124 wherethe nose of the dispensing connector 114 come into contact with theinternal valve body 126. The threading then moves the internal valvebody 126 down into the dispensing position where a first seal A andsecond seal B associated with an O-ring on the dispensing connector 114are made during this action. As the collar 112 starts to reach the endof its stroke, a compression flange 193 on the collar 112 comes intocontact with the top of the external valve body 124. The compressionflange 193 then goes into the inside of the external valve body 124 andas it moves down on the external valve body 124, thereby compresses thetop of the external valve body 124 against the dispensing connector 114to form a third seal C between the external valve body 124 and thedispensing connector 114. Seal C has a friction component and,accordingly, the tighter the collar 112 is turned, the tighter the thirdseal C becomes. While certain embodiments of the compression flange areshown, a compression flange refers to a flange that generally compressesa top edge or portion of the external valve body 124 to form a sealingpoint against the dispensing connector 114.

As the collar 112 is threadably engaged with the threaded portion 144 ofthe external valve body 124, the collar 112 and the dispensing connector114 apply an inward force on the internal valve body 126 and theinternal valve body 126 is moved axially within the external valve body124 towards the valve seat 154. The top ring 170 of the internal valvebody 126 rests adjacent the upper surface 148 of the ledge 146,preventing further axial movement of the internal valve body 126 towardsthe valve seat 154. It will be understood by a person skilled in the artthat further axial movement of the internal valve body 126 may beprevented by either the top ring 170 abutting the ledge 146 or theposition of the valve seat 154 adjacent the internal valve body 126 orby both. The base ring 168 rests against the valve seat 154 and theprojections 158 on the valve seat 154 are biased inwardly by theinternal walls 175 of the body 166 of the internal valve body 126. Inthis position, the ports 164 of the internal valve body 126 are in fluidcommunication with the apertures 153 located between the posts 152 onthe external valve body 124, and fluid can flow from the containerbetween the shell 138 and the valve seat 154 through the apertures 153between the posts 152 and through the ports 164 on the internal valvebody 126, into the dispensing connector 114.

Once the dispensing connector 114 is removed, the pressure on theinternal valve body 126 is released and projections 158 will move totheir normal position and push outwardly against the internal walls 175of the body 166, which will push the internal valve body 126 up and awayfrom the valve seat 154 towards the closed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the collar 112and double slider fitment 120 of the present invention and a dispensingconnector 114 in a reseal and disconnect position. As shown, thedispensing connector 114 is removed and the valve moves to a closedposition of the fitment 120. The internal valve body 126 is received inthe external valve body 124 with the top ring 170 spaced from the uppersurface 148 of the ledge 146. The base ring 168 of the internal valvebody 126 abuts against the upper ends of the posts 152 of the externalvalve body 124 and blocks any flow of fluid through the apertures 153located between the posts 152. The closed position prevents any fluidfrom passing through the fitment 120 into the dispensing connector 114.

As mentioned above, a portion of the spout 122 may be received withinthe receiving space 192. In the embodiment shown, the receiving space192 suitably has smooth walls, such that the spout 122 does not activelyengage with any flanges on the exterior surface of the spout 122 and itcan therefore receive spouts of various external configurations. Whilethe collar 112 has been described with reference to a descending flange190, suitably there is a plurality of discrete descending flangespositioned about the periphery of the collar body 186, although theflange 190 may extend about the periphery of the collar body 186. Theinternal surface of the collar body fitment end 188 is suitably threadedand is rotatably engageable with threaded portion 144 of external valvebody 124.

A second embodiment of the invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 10 through 16. In these figures, parts are numberedin the two-hundreds and like parts are numbered with like referencenumerals in the second and third position.

Generally, the second embodiment works according to the same mechanismof the first embodiment described above, except as described below. Inthis embodiment, the fitment end 288 of collar body 286 is mateable withthe fitment 220. The fitment end 288 comprises an external descendingflange 290 and an internal descending flange 291 connected to theperiphery of the collar body 286 to form a receiving space 292 which mayreceive a portion of spout 222. The internal surface of this descendingflange 290 is threaded for threadably engaging the external surface ofspout 222. In operation, as the dispensing connector 214 moves the valveto an open position, the collar 212 engages with external valve body 224to provide an additional point of sealing. As the collar 212 is threadedonto the spout 222, it pulls the dispensing connector 214 down into theexternal valve body 224 where the nose of the dispensing connector 214come into contact with the internal valve body 226. The threading thenmoves the internal valve body 226 down into the dispensing positionwhere a first seal A and second seal B associated with an O-ring ondispensing connector 214 are made during this action. As the collar 212starts to reach the end of its stroke, the compression flange 293 on thecollar 212 comes into contact with the top of the external valve body224. The compression flange 293 then goes into the inside of the topedge of external valve body 224 as the outside wedge angle 294 on thecollar 212 starts to wedge against the lock 295 on the external valvebody 224, thereby compressing the top of the external valve body 224against the dispensing connector 214 to form a third seal C between theexternal valve body 224 and the dispensing connector 214. Accordingly,the tighter the collar 212 is turned, the tighter the third seal Cbecomes.

Compressions flanges, 193 and 293 furnish a further advantage to thefitment assembly of the present invention. As previously Mentioned,known fitments have a tendency for the collar and probe to becomeinadvertently disengaged. In the present invention compression flanges193 and 293 suitably “locks” into a groove typical of probes common inthe field, thereby reducing the likelihood of inadvertent collar andprobe separation. As will be apparent with reference in particular toFIGS. 9 and 16 as the ledge of the probe pushes upward on compressionflange 193 or 293, the compression flange is further secured within thegroove thereby further securing the two components together.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrativeembodiments and examples, the description is not intended to beconstrued in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of theillustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thisdescription.

All publications, patents and patent application referred to herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as ifeach individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by referencein its entirety.

Listing of Parts

In the figures, like parts are denoted by the same numerals in thesecond and third positions, which are indicated in the listing below.

-   Fitment assembly 110-   Collar 112-   Dispensing connector 114-   Double slider valve fitment 120-   Spout 122-   External valve body 124-   Internal valve body 126-   Cap 128-   Base portion 130-   Spout opening 132-   Stop ridge 133-   Sealing rings 135-   External surface of spout 137-   External shell of external valve body 138-   Stop ridge 140-   Positioning ring 142-   Threaded portion 144-   Projection 146-   Upper surface of projection 148-   Lower edge of projection 150-   Radially spaced posts 152-   Apertures 153-   Valve seat 154-   Spaced projections 158-   Ports 164-   Generally cylindrical body 166-   Base ring 168-   Top ring 170-   Post 174-   Internal walls 175-   Cover 176-   Skirt 178-   Outer retaining ring 180-   Internal cylinder 182-   Internal retaining ring 184-   Outer descending skirt 185-   Collar body 186-   Collar body fitment end 188-   External descending flange 190-   Internal descending flange 191-   Receiving space 192-   Compression flange 193-   Wedge angle 194-   Lock 195

What is a claimed is:
 1. A process for assembling a fitment on to afilled or unfilled container, comprising the steps as follows: (I)assembling a generally cylindrical internal slider valve into agenerally cylindrical external valve body to form a valve body assemblyinto a primary seal position; (II) putting a cap on said external valvebody of said valve body assembly; (III) assembling said assembly of saidcap and said valve body assembly on to a generally cylindrical spout ina pre-cap position to form a fitment assembly; and (IV) affixing theassembly of Step (III) to said container wherein said fitment assemblycomprises said fitment for attachment to said container for holding anddispensing a fluid, wherein said fitment has said spout attachedthereto, said fitment further comprises said external valve body movableto a fixed position within said spout; and said internal valve bodymovable axially within said external valve body, said internal valvebody movable between a closed position operable to prevent the flow offluid through said fitment and an open position operable to allow theflow of fluid through said fitment, said internal valve body movablebetween closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensing connectorinto said external valve body adjacent said internal valve body, saidinternal valve body being biased toward the closed position; and acollar for attachment to said dispensing connector and for releasablecoupling to said fitment, wherein when coupled to said fitment saidcollar compressively engages said external valve body to form a sealbetween said external valve body and said dispensing connector; whereinsaid collar comprises a generally cylindrical collar body for engagementabout said dispensing connector and a fitment end for coupling to saidfitment; wherein said collar comprises a compression flange connected tothe collar body at said fitment end for engaging and compressing a topedge of said external valve body; and wherein the fitment end comprisesan external descending flange and an internal descending flangeconnected to said base of said collar body, said external descendingflange and said internal descending flange being concentric and spacedfrom each other.
 2. A process for assembling a fitment on to a filled oran unfilled container, comprising the steps as follows: (I) assembling agenerally cylindrical internal slider valve into a generally cylindricalexternal valve body to form a valve body assembly into a primary sealposition; (II) putting a cap on said external valve body of said valvebody assembly; (III) assembling said assembly of said cap and said valvebody assembly on to a generally cylindrical spout in a full-cap positionto form a fitment assembly; and (IV) affixing said assembly of Step(III) to the container wherein said fitment assembly comprises saidfitment for attachment to said container for holding and dispensing afluid, wherein said fitment has said spout attached thereto, saidfitment further comprises said external valve body movable to a fixedposition within said spout; and said internal valve body movable axiallywithin said external valve body, said internal valve body movablebetween a closed position operable to prevent the flow of fluid throughsaid fitment and an open position operable to allow the flow of fluidthrough said fitment, said internal valve body movable between closedand open positions by insertion of a dispensing connector into saidexternal valve body adjacent said internal valve body, said internalvalve body being biased toward the closed position; and a collar forattachment to said dispensing connector and for releasable coupling tosaid fitment, wherein when coupled to said fitment said collarcompressively engages said external valve body to form a seal betweensaid external valve body and said dispensing connector; wherein saidcollar comprises a generally cylindrical collar body for engagementabout said dispensing connector and a fitment end for coupling to saidfitment; wherein said collar comprises a compression flange connected tothe collar body at said fitment end for engaging and compressing a topedge of said external valve body; and wherein the fitment end comprisesan external descending flange and an internal descending flangeconnected to said base of said collar body, said external descendingflange and said internal descending flange being concentric and spacedfrom each other.
 3. A process for dispensing fluid from a containercomprising: (A) assembling a fitment on to an unfilled container;wherein said assembling comprises the steps as follows: (I) assembling agenerally cylindrical internal slider valve into a genericallycylindrical external valve body to form a valve body assembly into aprimary seal position; (II) putting a cap on said external valve body ofsaid valve body assembly; (III) assembling said assembly of the cap andsaid valve body assembly on to a spout in a pre-cap position; (IV)affixing said assembly of Step (III) to said container; (B) removing thecap and said external valve body assembly off said container; (C)filling said container with a dispensing fluid; (D) re-assembling saidcap and said external valve body assembly on to said spout in a full-capposition; (E) attaching a dispensing connector-collar assembly to saidfitment; and (F) dispensing said dispensing fluid from said container;wherein said fitment assembly comprises said fitment for attachment tosaid container for holding and dispensing a fluid, wherein said fitmenthas said spout attached thereto, said fitment further comprises saidexternal valve body movable to a fixed position within said spout; andsaid internal valve body movable axially within said external valvebody, said internal valve body movable between a closed positionoperable to prevent the flow of fluid through said fitment and an openposition operable to allow the flow of fluid through said fitment, saidinternal valve body movable between closed and open positions byinsertion of a dispensing connector into said external valve bodyadjacent said internal valve body, said internal valve body being biasedtoward the closed position; and a collar for attachment to saiddispensing connector and for releasable coupling to said fitment,wherein when coupled to said fitment said collar compressively engagessaid external valve body to form a seal between said external valve bodyand said dispensing connector; wherein said collar comprises a generallycylindrical collar body for engagement about said dispensing connectorand a fitment end for coupling to said fitment; wherein said collarcomprises a compression flange connected to the collar body at saidfitment end for engaging and compressing a top edge of said externalvalve body; and wherein the fitment end comprises an external descendingflange and an internal descending flange connected to said base of saidcollar body, said external descending flange and said internaldescending flange being concentric and spaced from each other.